Erasmus Experience in Milan, Italy by Aurélie

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Why did you choose to go to Milan, Italy?

I wanted to go to Italy because I had been there before and I really loved the country, the food, and I wanted to speak Italian better. I also wanted to be in a big city but I thought Rome might be too touristy, so I chose Milan and I really love it!

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I'm staying in Milan for a whole year (so both semester), and I have the Erasmus grant, which is €220 per month for this year.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Milan?

Thre are many things to do, whether it is cultural visits, walking around in the city, going shopping or to parties at night. There are many discounts especially made for Erasmus students, in some restaurants for example, and also special prices to get inside clubs. I think everybody can find things that they love to do here.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Milan to other students?

I would definitly recommmend this city and the university (I am going to Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore). This university is really big, in the center of the city and the main building is beautiful. There are also many international students from all around the world and they are really well integrated thanks to the Erasmus club which offers many activities.

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What is the food like?

You can find some really really good Italian food in the restaurants, but also more common food or other specialities throughout the city. You can also find mostly anything in the supermakets to cook yourself at home. If you like Italian food, then you will be happy in Milan.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Milan?

I found my place through an online platform and they took a fee once I found a place and confirmed my choice, but I didn't need to pay to register in the website. It mostly took me quite a lot of time to find this place.

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How much does it cost to live in Milan?

The rents are quite expensive here, usually around €700 per month if you have a place around the center. It's a little less expensive if you go further, but still around €600. Usually the flats are shared between 4 or 5 flatmates.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I studied a little bit of Italian before coming here, and thanks to that understanding Italian is quite okay. I understand most of the things people say, but speaking is a little harder. If you don't know anything about Italian you can just learn the basic things. Most people in the restaurants, bars or shops also know at least basic English.

There are Italian courses offered by the university, either during two weeks before the semester starts or throughout the semester. It is also possible to choose courses that are either in Italian or in English.

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What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Milan from your city?

To move here I came by car because I had many things to take with me, but then to go back home I'm taking the plane and it's not so expensive with the low-cost airlines.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The main monument here is the Duomo, a huge cathedral in the middle of the city. We can see it from outside, but also get inside, in the museum and on the terraces on top of it. You pay one ticket and you can go to all of the different places during the day, and there is a discounted price for Erasmus students.

Next to the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is very impressive because of the architecture.

Then there are several museums and other spots to see accross the city. Most of the time you can see a place from outside for free, like the Castello Sforzesco or Arco della Pace, but you can also get inside if you pay the ticket.

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